Sazerac’s The Last Drop Expands Into Tequila With $2,300 Extra Añejo

(Photo: The Last Drop)

The Last Drop is expanding its portfolio of ultra-aged, ultra-expensive spirits with the debut of an extra añejo tequila, the first in brand history.

On Monday, the Sazerac-owned spirits curator unveiled The Last Drop No. 40, of which only 435 bottles will be released worldwide at a suggested retail price of $2,300.

The extra añejo was headed up by tequilera Carmen Villarreal of the Casa San Matias distillery. Founded in 1886 by Don Delfino Gonzalez, San Matias is one of the oldest and best-recognized names in the tequila industry. Up until now, however, the distiller hasn’t necessarily been known for multi-thousand-dollar releases. Its most famous products include Pueblo Viejo, an additive-free tequila that can be bought for as little as $20, and Corazon, which has collaborated with the likes of Blanton’s, Old Rip Van Winkle and George T. Stagg on surprisingly affordable cask finishes.

The Last Drop No. 40 represents a new direction. The 100% agave tequila comprises a blend of three batches selected by Villareal: Two aged for 10 years in ex-bourbon barrels and one aged for seven years in a port pipe. The expression is bottled at 46.3% ABV and is said to boast notes of creamy dulce de leche, plums, dates and subtle green jalapeño skin on the palate.

“For generations, Mexico’s most skilled tequileros have crafted spirits that capture the soul of the land. Yet, even in my decades at Casa San Matías, opportunities to shape an extra añejo of this rarity – exploring the nuances that come from experimenting with unique casks and innovative aging techniques – are extraordinary,” Villareal remarked in a news release.

“I am immensely proud of the depth and elegance of this liquid. To see it selected by The Last Drop, and to contribute as a member of The Assembly to its release, is both humbling and inspiring.”

Though a $2,300 price tag isn’t that uncommon in the world of high-end whisky, it’s a rare sight when it comes to tequila. Most agave spirits in that elusive, quadruple-digit bracket tend to focus more on a flashy decanter than the actual juice. Think Clase Azul or a collectible carafe encrusted with Swarovski diamonds. After all, it was only in the past decade or so that tequila was reappraised as a truly ultra-premium liquor, and even now, distillers hardly release extra añejos aged anywhere upwards of five years.

The Last Drop is reimagining the concept with a laser focus on what’s inside the bottle. The closest comparison that comes to mind is Fuenteseca, whose 18-year and 21-year extra añejos are widely regarded as the oldest tequilas ever released to market.

Keep an eye on The Daily Pour in weeks to come for our review of The Last Drop’s latest – no matter what, it’s sure to be an interesting one.

The Last Drop No. 40 Extra Añejo Tasting Notes, Per the Brand

Appearance: “A captivating golden amber hue with subtle coppery-pink reflections”

Nose: “Roasted nuts and spiced oak, followed by waves of tropical pineapple and vanilla. Floral notes of orange blossom and jasmine add a fresh lift, balancing richness with elegance.”

Palate: “Creamy dulce de leche and cooked agave open, followed by plums, dates and a hint of green jalapeño skin. A warming cinnamon and clove tingle emerges, underpinned by floral sweetness and toasted oak.”